"Good rowing and good form from the guys," said Kujda about Sunday's effort. "The conditions were rough, the water was choppy. But this was a good step forward for us and our future."

As they did in Petaluma, Santa Clara will send two boats to next weekend's Head of the American Regatta in Sacramento, Calif. The event will be much bigger, as over 25 schools and 30 boats are expected to compete in the eights.